DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL is the most frequently encountered Windows 10 BSOD,[1] which causes a fatal system crash. It can occur at any time and completely lock the screen without the ability to log into the desktop.

In most of the cases, the problem is related to system's drivers or other essential Windows components. Each instance of Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal BSOD is different and should bear a reference to a reference to a problematic component. Recently, people started reporting a netwbw02.sys file as a culprit of the Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal error.

NETwbw02.sys is one of Windows drivers. More specifically, it's a component of Intel Wireless WiFi Link Driver or Intel Wireless Adapter Driver for Windows (version 8.1 – 64 Bit) by Intel. It's not included in the list of core Windows system files, but it's responsible for maintaining Wi-Fi connection and other services related to the Internet connection.

Usually, before the emergence of the netwbw02.sys BSOD people notice random Wi-Fi connection problems,[2] slowdowns, crashes, and similar unusual system's behavior. Soon after that, the following message in a blue screen environment occurs:

Your PC ran into a problem and needed to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you. (30% complete).For more info about this issue and possible fixes, visit http://windows.com/stopcodeIf you call a support person, give them this info: Stop Code: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUALWhat failed: NETwbw02.sys

The lucky ones did not have to do anything except restart the system to fix NETwbw02.sys BSOD. The others had to perform many diverse methods to address the problem or even take the system to a professional IT specialist.

Note that the culprit of the NETwbw02.sys error might be a malware infection. Technical security rating of this file is 15% dangerous, which is not much but still considerable. Malware developers may exploit such and similar system files for disguising malicious files, so the BSOD that you are currently seeing might be related to Spyware, Trojan,[3] Worm or another infection. Thus, to fix DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL with the NETwbw02.sys BSOD, run a scan with Reimage or another reputable security tool. If it did not help, follow these steps:

In some of the cases, update won't help due to incompatible driver or other serious malfunctions. Therefore, we would strongly recommend uninstalling the driver and download its latest version from the manufacturer's website. For this purpose, you should follow the steps indicated above, except that instead of “Update Driver Software” press “Uninstall.”

After that, restart your PC and navigate to the official Intel's website to download the latest version of Intel Network Adapter that is compatible with the type of your OS.

Uninstall The Secondary Anti-Virus Program

To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage.

In many cases, the netwbw02.sys BSOD strikes PCs that run two anti-malware tools – the primary and the secondary ones. Very often they run into conflict, which may result in slowdowns, crashes, and, like in this case BSOD screen. Therefore, consider removing the secondary anti-virus, at least temporarily, to check whether removal helps to remove DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD.

One of the ways to eliminate all components related to unwanted security tool is to run a scan with Perfect Uninstaller. Nevertheless, you can also do that manually:

Press Windows key + I and select Apps.

Find the antivirus entry on the Apps & Features section.

Click on it and select Uninstall.

After that, press Windows key + R to open Registry Editor.

Press Edit -> Find Next.

Enter the name of the program that you have deleted before and click Find Next.

In case the search delivers some results, remove all of them. For this purpose, right-click on the entry and select Remove.

Install Windows Updates

To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage Reimage.

Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

Select Update and Security.

Click on Check for Updates button and wait for all pending updates to be prepared.

When they are installed, restart the system to finish up the installation.

Repair your Errors automatically

ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:

Still having problems?If you failed to fix your error using Reimage, reach our support team for help. Please, let us know all details that you think we should know about your problem.

Reimage - a patented specialized Windows repair program. It will diagnose your damaged PC. It will scan all System Files, DLLs and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.Reimage - a patented specialized Mac OS X repair program. It will diagnose your damaged computer. It will scan all System Files and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.This patented repair process uses a database of 25 million components that can replace any damaged or missing file on user's computer.To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool.

About the author

Linas Kiguolis
- IT professional

Linas Kiguolis is a qualified IT expert that loves sharing his excellent knowledge about problems in Windows and Mac operating systems. Linas’ insights often help other team members find quick solutions for visitors of UGetFix site.